WSET L4 - D4 SPARKLING WINES (ACTUAL
2025) QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
This system is widely recognized as the best for
Chardonnay. It usually has 3-4 cordons (old wood), to a
maximum of five. It is a form of spur pruning. -
<<<Answers>>>Taille Chablis
This system is used for Pinot Noir and Meunier. The
vine has a single cordon that is spur-pruned, and the
shoots are vertically positioned. -
<<<Answers>>>Cordon du Royat
This replacement cane system with vertical shoot
positioning is permitted in lesser-rated vineyards for all
three varieties. - <<<Answers>>>Guyot
The method is similar to the one above, but with a
higher number of buds. It is being used less now than in
the past. - <<<Answers>>>Vallee de Marne
Why high yields can be beneficial to the production of
grapes for Champagne, and how high yields might be
achieved - <<<Answers>>>High acid levels with low
potential alcohol and light fruit flavors are preferred for
grapes destined for Champagne production. This is
, WSET L4 - D4 SPARKLING WINES (ACTUAL
2025) QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
easier achieved with higher yields in a cool climate like
Champagne. For the black grape varieties the tannins
and color do not play a huge part in most Champagne
styles, so the grapes do not have to be fully ripe either.
Planting density is relatively high at approximately
8000 vines per hectare and the average number of
fruiting buds per vine must not exceed 18 per square
meter which allows for a high crop load.
All pruning methods in Champagne are limited to a
maximum average number of fruiting buds per square
meter. What is the maximum number of buds per square
meter? - <<<Answers>>>18
6 primary climatic hazards, pests and diseases that may
hinder grape growing in the Champagne region -
<<<Answers>>>1. Severe winter frost, which can kill
vines or parts of vines.
2. Spring frosts, which can destroy new buds and
reduce yields.
3. Rainy or cold weather can disrupt flowering and fruit
set. Yields can also reduce or the grapes may be unripe /
unhealthy.
, WSET L4 - D4 SPARKLING WINES (ACTUAL
2025) QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
4. Downy mildew, which can also significantly reduce
crop levels.
5. Violent storms and hails in summer, which can
damage grapes and vines.
6. Hot and humid weather in summer, especially after
heavy rainfall, leading to the rapid spread of botrytis.
Traditionally, Champagne production involves loading
whole bunches of grapes onto basket presses in a unit
known as a marc. How many kilos are in a marc? -
<<<Answers>>>4000
Name the two fractions of press juice in sparkling
winemaking and describe the characteristics/use for
each fraction - <<<Answers>>>Cuvée
- the first 2,050 liters (per 4,000 kilos of grapes)
- cuvée is rich in acids
- produces wines with great finesse and long ageing
potential
Taille
- the next 500 liters
- taille has lower acidity
2025) QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
This system is widely recognized as the best for
Chardonnay. It usually has 3-4 cordons (old wood), to a
maximum of five. It is a form of spur pruning. -
<<<Answers>>>Taille Chablis
This system is used for Pinot Noir and Meunier. The
vine has a single cordon that is spur-pruned, and the
shoots are vertically positioned. -
<<<Answers>>>Cordon du Royat
This replacement cane system with vertical shoot
positioning is permitted in lesser-rated vineyards for all
three varieties. - <<<Answers>>>Guyot
The method is similar to the one above, but with a
higher number of buds. It is being used less now than in
the past. - <<<Answers>>>Vallee de Marne
Why high yields can be beneficial to the production of
grapes for Champagne, and how high yields might be
achieved - <<<Answers>>>High acid levels with low
potential alcohol and light fruit flavors are preferred for
grapes destined for Champagne production. This is
, WSET L4 - D4 SPARKLING WINES (ACTUAL
2025) QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
easier achieved with higher yields in a cool climate like
Champagne. For the black grape varieties the tannins
and color do not play a huge part in most Champagne
styles, so the grapes do not have to be fully ripe either.
Planting density is relatively high at approximately
8000 vines per hectare and the average number of
fruiting buds per vine must not exceed 18 per square
meter which allows for a high crop load.
All pruning methods in Champagne are limited to a
maximum average number of fruiting buds per square
meter. What is the maximum number of buds per square
meter? - <<<Answers>>>18
6 primary climatic hazards, pests and diseases that may
hinder grape growing in the Champagne region -
<<<Answers>>>1. Severe winter frost, which can kill
vines or parts of vines.
2. Spring frosts, which can destroy new buds and
reduce yields.
3. Rainy or cold weather can disrupt flowering and fruit
set. Yields can also reduce or the grapes may be unripe /
unhealthy.
, WSET L4 - D4 SPARKLING WINES (ACTUAL
2025) QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
4. Downy mildew, which can also significantly reduce
crop levels.
5. Violent storms and hails in summer, which can
damage grapes and vines.
6. Hot and humid weather in summer, especially after
heavy rainfall, leading to the rapid spread of botrytis.
Traditionally, Champagne production involves loading
whole bunches of grapes onto basket presses in a unit
known as a marc. How many kilos are in a marc? -
<<<Answers>>>4000
Name the two fractions of press juice in sparkling
winemaking and describe the characteristics/use for
each fraction - <<<Answers>>>Cuvée
- the first 2,050 liters (per 4,000 kilos of grapes)
- cuvée is rich in acids
- produces wines with great finesse and long ageing
potential
Taille
- the next 500 liters
- taille has lower acidity
